Strong team for Blackburn game

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Strong team for Blackburn game

Sir Alex will travel to Ewood Park on Saturday with an almost fully fit squad at his disposal.

The Reds need just one point to seal a record 19th English league title and the boss says there are “no new injuries” in the United camp.

He did concede, however, that he may rest Edwin van der Sar against Blackburn.

“Given the programme he’s been through in the last few weeks, this may be an opportunity to give him a break,” Sir Alex said. “They’ve all been important games.”

Javier Hernandez, on the other hand, is still fresh, despite speculation in the press recently that the Mexican striker was in danger of suffering fatigue. Hernandez barely got a rest last summer after featuring in the World Cup and then joining United’s pre-season tour shortly afterwards. This summer he also has international commitments, at the Gold Cup in the United States.

“There’s no suggestion that there’s any tiredness with Hernandez,” the manager said. “We’ll keep monitoring it. If we get the result tomorrow he’ll get his rest next Sunday. If we don’t then he’ll play next Sunday.

“There are opportunities to rest him in the early part of next season. We’ll give him a good rest after the Gold Cup.”

One man also set to figure at some point on Saturday is Darren Fletcher.

“He played over an hour on Wednesday [for the Reserves]. These kinds of games will hopefully bring him to the level for the final of a European Cup.

Javier Hernandez Chicharito

“Hopefully he gets a bit tomorrow, some more on Monday for the Reserves and again against Blackpool next Sunday. There’s also Gary Neville’s testimonial game.

“There are opportunities to increase his fitness so we’ve got to give him the chance. He’s back training every day. He’s over his virus – it’s just a matter of getting that strength and speed to his game. He’s got the desire to do it.”

While United need only a point against Blackburn and Sir Alex admits he may rest Edwin van der Sar for the trip to Ewood Park, the Reds boss insists he isn’t taking the game lightly.

“We must approach the game the right way and play our strongest team. It’s always a difficult game and Blackburn are fighting [to stay up]. They probably need a point. They'll be trying their utmost to get that point or even beat us. We must put in the same effort.

"It’s a hard game for both teams but we go there with confidence after last Sunday’s win over Chelsea which was a great performance by us and we need another like that.”